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Abstract
Findings from several previous studies and evidence in this thesis confirm that the importance given to managing design quality, particularly during the early stages of design, has a tremendous influence on the overall success of a construction project. A review of the relevant literature showed clear gaps in research with regard to the development and practical application of process maps and the various design quality improvement methodologies for use in the real life design for construction. The present research attempted devising a design process map for practical use in building consulting practices, incorporating selected quality improvement methodologies, with special emphasis on early design development. The research study contributes to knowledge through the development of the Building Design Process Map (BDPM) and the associated Schematic Design Model (SDM) that are primarily aimed to improve the functioning of the Small and Medium building consulting practices, which may not have the resources to implement established Quality Management systems. As the research study was associated with a building consulting practice, action research was selected as the most appropriate research methodology. The data collection for the research combined the use of both qualitative and quantitative methods, in a triangulation approach. The features of the BDPM were based on the findings from the research study and were developed in close liaison with its targeted end users. At the heart of the proposed improved design process map is the SDM, which can be easily implemented by designers who have not received rigorous training in the design quality improvement methodologies that are part of the model. A novel feature of the BDPM is the generation and active use of an ever growing company specific Knowledge Base (KB) as its integral part. The BDPM and associated tools were tested and refined based on action research studies conducted at the sponsoring organisation, the Arabian Gulf subsidiary of an international firm of consulting engineers.